Yazna Riddick, B.S.D.H.

What is your hometown?

Bensalem, Pennsylvania

When did you know you wanted to pursue dental hygiene as a career?

I became interested in dental hygiene during my senior year of high school when I was looking for healthcare careers that combined patient interaction with hands-on clinical work. What drew me in was a shadowing experience I had in a private dental office. The hygienist shared her stories and insight about the profession, which truly inspired me to pursue hygiene. Dental hygiene allows you to build meaningful relationships with patients while also focusing on improving the health of others. I’ve always valued helping others feel more confident and comfortable, and dental hygiene offers a unique way to make a direct, positive impact on someone’s well-being every day.

Why do you feel this career will be rewarding?

Dental hygiene is rewarding because it blends science, patient care, and communication. I enjoy working closely with people and helping them understand the importance of oral health as part of overall wellness. It’s especially fulfilling to see patients become more confident in their smiles and more proactive about their health. The career also challenges me to continue learning and growing, which is something I value long-term.

Why did you choose WVU for your education?

I chose WVU because of the clinical experience we gain throughout the program through our rotations and hands-on experience early on. The sense of community and support among students and faculty really stood out to me as well when I toured freshman year. Similarly, we get to work closely with dental students throughout our program, which allows us to be prepared for the collaborative aspects of private practice. I also appreciated WVU’s commitment to serving the population through community outreach. WVU dental hygiene requires us to complete 125 service hours, which helped me to fulfill my own desire to make a meaningful impact on my community. 

What would you tell a prospective student about the program and your experience at the WVU School of Dentistry?

I would tell prospective students that the program is both challenging and incredibly rewarding. The faculty are genuinely invested in your success and provide the guidance and mentorship needed to grow both academically and professionally. You gain real-world experience through rotations and our main clinic, which prepares you well for your career.

Who has had the biggest impact on your college experience?

My Mom has had the biggest impact on my college experience. This program is tough, but it prepares you incredibly for private practice, and my mom supported me through all the hardships and truly kept me going. She would help me with studying countless times and preformed mock instrument exams for me when learning instrumentation sophomore year. It is safe to say she was my backbone through it all, and her encouragement and guidance kept my head high. 

Tell us about experiences during your time in the WVU School of Dentistry that you particularly enjoyed.

I especially enjoyed my time in clinic, where I was able to apply what I learned in the classroom to real patient care. Building relationships with patients and seeing their progress over time was incredibly rewarding. I also valued the time spent with classmates, whether studying together or supporting each other through challenging moments. Those shared experiences created strong connections and made the journey even more meaningful. This program has brought me so many beautiful friendships that will last a lifetime. 

Tell us about your rural rotation experience.

During my rural rotation, I had the opportunity to work under two dentists who made my experience very educational. This experience exceeded my expectations because it allowed me to see what my day-to-day would look like as a hygienist. I was able to treat patients of all ages, from prophys to deep cleanings. I learned to adapt to different patient needs, communicate more effectively, and become more resourceful and time-efficient in a clinical setting. Overall, this experience gave me skills I will cherish and carry into my career.

What are you planning to do after graduation?

After graduation, I plan to begin working in a clinical setting where I can continue developing my skills and providing high-quality patient care. I am currently applying and doing interviews closer to my hometown, but I am excited to get started on my career and gain more experience.

As a soon-to-be graduate, what advice would you give to your freshman self?

I would tell my freshman self to trust the process and to enjoy every moment regardless of challenge. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed at times, but I’ve learned that every challenge is an opportunity to grow. I would also remind myself to stay confident, stay organized, and take time to enjoy the journey. The experience goes by quickly, and the relationships and lessons you gain along the way are just as important as the end goal.

Anything unique or interesting about yourself that others might not know?

One hobby that I have is working out. I typically try to work out 4-5 days a week, whether that’s lifting, going on walks, or doing a fitness class. I am also starting to train for a Hyrox race. Hyrox is a partner fitness competition that is composed of 8 km of running with eight functional workout stations split between the two partners.